Pink was the theme between United Independent School District's oldest rivalry, Alexander and United, on Tuesday night.
A sea of blue and orange filled the United gymnasium in each team’s regular season finale, but it was the pink color that stood out.
The United volleyball team took the court with pink ribbons in its hair and pink t-shirts while the gym was filled with pink balloons in support of breast cancer awareness month.
Alexander (16-2 District 29-5A, 26-5 overall) beat United (13-5, 22-15) in a four-game thriller, 25-16, 22-25, 27-25 and 25-21. Both teams are headed to the Class 5A playoffs, with Alexander the No. 2 seed in 29-5A and United No. 3.
With the playoffs already determined in 29-5A entering the game, the rivalry, the seeding and a year’s worth of bragging rights took a back seat to the real winners of the game, the women Involved in the Nurturing Giving and Sharing organization.
Prior to the game, the United volleyball coaching staff and players presented the WINGS organization with a $2,000 check from all the proceeds off their t-shirt sales for the past three weeks.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Week 7 Football: United 55, Cigarroa 2
Football fans at the SAC on Friday night were treated to an explosive episode of The Billy Williams III Show.
The talented junior United running back racked up 303 yards of total offense as he led his team to a 55-2 victory over the Cigarroa Toros.
United is now 6-0 in District 29-5A, 6-1 overall. Cigarroa fell to 3-3, 4-3.
Williams accounted for a majority of his team's yards, rushing for 267 and five scores on 25 attempts (averaging more than 10 yards per carry) and catching four passes for 36 yards.
The emergence of Williams came in response to a superb job by the Cigarroa defense at shutting down United’s deep threat passing game.
Toros safety Jose Garcia was especially impressive as he got a hand on and almost intercepted three early deep passing attempts by United senior quarterback Tony Salas.
Salas rebounded from a 50 percent first-half completion rate to completing 14 of 25 attempts on the night for 185 yards, no scores and no turnovers.
The quarterback also showed flashes of speed by carrying the ball three times for 38 yards, including a six-yard touchdown.
United wide receiver Sergio Ramos also got in on the running game by scoring on a 1-yard scamper as a reward for pulling in a reception that set his team up inches away from the goal line.
Ramos led the team in receiving with 90 yards on six receptions.
United put its backups into the rotation late in the game and quarterback Joey Zepeda found Gus Garza on a 10-yard touchdown strike midway through the fourth quarter; the only passing touchdown of the night for Longhorns.
Zepeda completed three of five passes for 35 yards in his limited playing time.
Cigarroa got the defensive performance it was looking for early in the game when it held United to 27 first-half points and returned a blocked extra point 100 yards to put its lone two points on the board.
The Toros offense, however, failed to find any consistency against a stingy Longhorn defensive unit.
Cigarroa gained only 16 rushing yards and finished the game with 132 total yards of offense, a far cry from the 551 yards of offense accumulated by the Longhorns.
Toros quarterback Victor Martinez contributed 116 yards of offense through the air by completing 16 of his 29 passes with neither any scores or turnovers.
Cigarroa's lead running back was Jesse Sanchez, who had 15 yards on eight carries. Ramon Flores, a new name on the Cigarroa roster, led his team in receiving with 56 yards on three catches.
The talented junior United running back racked up 303 yards of total offense as he led his team to a 55-2 victory over the Cigarroa Toros.
United is now 6-0 in District 29-5A, 6-1 overall. Cigarroa fell to 3-3, 4-3.
Williams accounted for a majority of his team's yards, rushing for 267 and five scores on 25 attempts (averaging more than 10 yards per carry) and catching four passes for 36 yards.
The emergence of Williams came in response to a superb job by the Cigarroa defense at shutting down United’s deep threat passing game.
Toros safety Jose Garcia was especially impressive as he got a hand on and almost intercepted three early deep passing attempts by United senior quarterback Tony Salas.
Salas rebounded from a 50 percent first-half completion rate to completing 14 of 25 attempts on the night for 185 yards, no scores and no turnovers.
The quarterback also showed flashes of speed by carrying the ball three times for 38 yards, including a six-yard touchdown.
United wide receiver Sergio Ramos also got in on the running game by scoring on a 1-yard scamper as a reward for pulling in a reception that set his team up inches away from the goal line.
Ramos led the team in receiving with 90 yards on six receptions.
United put its backups into the rotation late in the game and quarterback Joey Zepeda found Gus Garza on a 10-yard touchdown strike midway through the fourth quarter; the only passing touchdown of the night for Longhorns.
Zepeda completed three of five passes for 35 yards in his limited playing time.
Cigarroa got the defensive performance it was looking for early in the game when it held United to 27 first-half points and returned a blocked extra point 100 yards to put its lone two points on the board.
The Toros offense, however, failed to find any consistency against a stingy Longhorn defensive unit.
Cigarroa gained only 16 rushing yards and finished the game with 132 total yards of offense, a far cry from the 551 yards of offense accumulated by the Longhorns.
Toros quarterback Victor Martinez contributed 116 yards of offense through the air by completing 16 of his 29 passes with neither any scores or turnovers.
Cigarroa's lead running back was Jesse Sanchez, who had 15 yards on eight carries. Ramon Flores, a new name on the Cigarroa roster, led his team in receiving with 56 yards on three catches.
10.15.10: Volleyball: United 3, Cigarroa 1
The Lady Longhorns won, 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-16. United improved to 11-4 in District 29-5A, 18-14 overall. Cigarroa fell to 8-7, 21-15. Leading the way for United was Anabeli Fernades (10 kills, six digs), Natalie Chavez (11 kills, 15 assists, eight points, 11 digs), Ashley Everett (nine kills, 10 points, nine digs) and Kristen Ovalle (17 assists, five digs). Leading the way for Cigarroa was Gloria Morales (eight kills, seven blocks), Sandra Ambriz (10 kills, six digs), Deandra Gonzalez (seven points, seven kills), Raquel Martinez (nine assists).
10.12.10: Volleyball: Nixon 3, United 2
The Lady Mustangs pulled off the upset, winning 18-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 15-9. Nixon improved to 9-5 in District 29-5A, 19-15 overall. United fell to 10-4, 17-14. Leading the way for Nixon was Ruby Grace (22 assists, 11 digs, four kills), Rosalynn Velasquez (22 kills, four digs), Lisa Villarreal (20 digs) and Natalia Medina (13 kills, 14 digs).
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week 6 Football: United 60, Nixon 0
The United Longhorns turned in another dominant performance Friday night, pouncing on the Nixon Mustangs and running away with a 60-0 District 29-5A victory at the SAC.
The Longhorns remain in first place in district with a flawless 5-0 standing. They’re 5-1 overall.
Nixon fell to 1-4 in district, 1-5 overall.
United scored on seven of its opening eight drives and the Mustangs were held without a first down until the final play of the first half.
The Longhorns pulled a majority of their starters from the lineup at halftime when the lead was 50-0, but that didn’t dilute any of the offensive statistics.
In two quarters of play, star senior quarterback Tony Salas threw for 329 yards and four touchdowns on 13 of 17 passing. At one point, Salas completed 10 consecutive pass attempts, including three straight for touchdowns.
Other United offensive weapons were clicking at full speed as well. Running back Billy Williams III had 125 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries and wide receiver Nick Fuentes had 111 yards and two touchdowns on two receptions.
The Mustangs never got their offense off the ground against the Longhorn defense. Nixon finished the game with 128 yards of offense compared to United's 582.
Nixon’s offense was led by Ritchie Rendon, who had 36 yards on 15 carries, and Fermin Rendon, who had 38 yards on nine carries.
The Longhorns remain in first place in district with a flawless 5-0 standing. They’re 5-1 overall.
Nixon fell to 1-4 in district, 1-5 overall.
United scored on seven of its opening eight drives and the Mustangs were held without a first down until the final play of the first half.
The Longhorns pulled a majority of their starters from the lineup at halftime when the lead was 50-0, but that didn’t dilute any of the offensive statistics.
In two quarters of play, star senior quarterback Tony Salas threw for 329 yards and four touchdowns on 13 of 17 passing. At one point, Salas completed 10 consecutive pass attempts, including three straight for touchdowns.
Other United offensive weapons were clicking at full speed as well. Running back Billy Williams III had 125 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries and wide receiver Nick Fuentes had 111 yards and two touchdowns on two receptions.
The Mustangs never got their offense off the ground against the Longhorn defense. Nixon finished the game with 128 yards of offense compared to United's 582.
Nixon’s offense was led by Ritchie Rendon, who had 36 yards on 15 carries, and Fermin Rendon, who had 38 yards on nine carries.
10.09.10: Volleyball: United 3, Del Rio 0
The Lady Longhorns swept. United improved to 10-3 in District 29-5A, 17-13 overall, led by Karina de Anda (14 digs), Natalie Chavez (15 assists, 12 points, 7 digs), Amatali Fernandez (eigjavascript:void(0)ht kills) and Ashley Everett (five digs, three blocks).
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
10.05.10: Volleyball: Eagle Pass 3, United 0
Eagle Pass continued its roll through District 29-5A and keep its perfect record intact as it swept United, 25-21, 26-24 and 25-23 at United on Tuesday night.
Eagle Pass (12-0, 26-5) took control of the first game with big hits by Aiden Gracia to jump out to a 10-4 lead before United started to rally back and come within two points.
United (9-3, 16-13) fought to the end, but the ball did not roll in its favor as Eagle Pass kept its composure to silent the home crowd and take game one 25-21.
A different and determined United team took the court in the second game where the offense finally got in rhythm to jump all over Eagle Pass.
The United offense started to pick apart the Eagle Pass defense and took a 14-9 lead.
United controlled the game and was within one point to even the series when Eagle Pass scored three straight points to sweep a game from the Lady Longhorns and take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Bad news continued to plague United as an injury to setter Natalie Chavez forced Longoria to attempt a different lineup in the crucial part of the game. Chavez returned midway through the third game ready to rally the team from the brink of defeat.
But United squandered too many scoring opportunities to put the third game away and allowed Eagle Pass to stay close.
United's Ali Sanchez was big down the stretch as she had key kills to give the Lady Longhorns a 21-19 lead, but again, Eagle Pass rallied and burned the Longhorns again to take the sweep.
Eagle Pass (12-0, 26-5) took control of the first game with big hits by Aiden Gracia to jump out to a 10-4 lead before United started to rally back and come within two points.
United (9-3, 16-13) fought to the end, but the ball did not roll in its favor as Eagle Pass kept its composure to silent the home crowd and take game one 25-21.
A different and determined United team took the court in the second game where the offense finally got in rhythm to jump all over Eagle Pass.
The United offense started to pick apart the Eagle Pass defense and took a 14-9 lead.
United controlled the game and was within one point to even the series when Eagle Pass scored three straight points to sweep a game from the Lady Longhorns and take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Bad news continued to plague United as an injury to setter Natalie Chavez forced Longoria to attempt a different lineup in the crucial part of the game. Chavez returned midway through the third game ready to rally the team from the brink of defeat.
But United squandered too many scoring opportunities to put the third game away and allowed Eagle Pass to stay close.
United's Ali Sanchez was big down the stretch as she had key kills to give the Lady Longhorns a 21-19 lead, but again, Eagle Pass rallied and burned the Longhorns again to take the sweep.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Week 5 Football: United 28, Del Rio 13
It was old school versus new school at the SAC Friday night when the high-flying United Longhorns faced the pound-the-ground Del Rio Rams.
Old school stuck around for four quarters, but ultimately fell, 28-13, as the Longhorns came away with the victory.
United improved to a perfect 4-0 in District 29-5A, 4-1 overall. Del Rio dropped to 2-2, 3-2.
The Longhorns are all alone in first place in district.
United wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on its opening possession with a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Salas to Billy Williams en route to an early 21-6 halftime lead.
Salas' quick start proved to be just a sample of the big night he had in store for the Rams. The senior quarterback completed 14 of 24 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
The 'Horns halftime lead came in large part because of a pair of big early plays that accounted for a third of United's total yards. The 41-yard pass was joined by a 54-yard catch and run from Nick Fuentes to account for 95 first-quarter yards and the first two touchdowns.
There may have been even more big plays had it not been for a trio of costly drops.
A trick play pass from Joey Zepeda to Tony Salas was nearly a 40-yard touchdown, only to be dropped and then wiped out by an illegal blocking penalty anyway.
Fuentes, a reliable touchdown machine earlier in the season, dropped a 20-yard touchdown pass in the end zone and what would have been an 80-yard touchdown bomb when he got wide open behind the defense.
Even with the drops, however, Fuentes still had a team-leading 79 yards on three catches.
Sergio Ramos led in receptions with a handful of catches. None of the senior's receptions went for touchdowns, but several were on crucial third or fourth downs.
Ramos finished with 57 yards on five catches.
Longhorns junior running back Billy Williams started slow on the night but turned it on in the fourth quarter, when he accounted for a majority of the team's yardage in a 91-yard touchdown drive that ate the clock and clinched the game.
Williams finished the night with 94 rushing yards on 20 carries in addition to 47 receiving yards on three receptions.
Del Rio didn't just roll over, however. The Rams defense stiffened after the Longhorns' second touchdown and held United to only two more scores in the final three quarters of play.
The Rams had a number of long drives but shot themselves in the foot with fumbles on several occasions; the most costly of which came halfway through the second quarter.
The Rams started at their own 25-yard line and pounded the ball out on the ground, advancing all the way to the Longhorns' five-yard line before Del Rio running back Robert Gonzalez had the ball knocked loose by an aggressive United defense that recovered the ball at the 2.
Gonzalez finished the night with 119 yards on 22 carries and two first half fumbles.
Del Rio's Diego Cadena also got his share of carries in, finishing the night with 109 yards on 25 carries with a single touchdown.
For the first three quarters, while the score was close, Del Rio was able to establish a fairly reliable play-action passing game.
Del Right tight end Jeff Peterson had a touchdown on a 31-yard reception and wide receiver Jordan Terrell had another on a 25-yard strike.
Del Rio actually outgained United in total offense, with 339 yards compared to United's 315.
Both teams made mistakes that left points on the board, but Del Rio's proved to be the more costly.
Old school stuck around for four quarters, but ultimately fell, 28-13, as the Longhorns came away with the victory.
United improved to a perfect 4-0 in District 29-5A, 4-1 overall. Del Rio dropped to 2-2, 3-2.
The Longhorns are all alone in first place in district.
United wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on its opening possession with a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Salas to Billy Williams en route to an early 21-6 halftime lead.
Salas' quick start proved to be just a sample of the big night he had in store for the Rams. The senior quarterback completed 14 of 24 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
The 'Horns halftime lead came in large part because of a pair of big early plays that accounted for a third of United's total yards. The 41-yard pass was joined by a 54-yard catch and run from Nick Fuentes to account for 95 first-quarter yards and the first two touchdowns.
There may have been even more big plays had it not been for a trio of costly drops.
A trick play pass from Joey Zepeda to Tony Salas was nearly a 40-yard touchdown, only to be dropped and then wiped out by an illegal blocking penalty anyway.
Fuentes, a reliable touchdown machine earlier in the season, dropped a 20-yard touchdown pass in the end zone and what would have been an 80-yard touchdown bomb when he got wide open behind the defense.
Even with the drops, however, Fuentes still had a team-leading 79 yards on three catches.
Sergio Ramos led in receptions with a handful of catches. None of the senior's receptions went for touchdowns, but several were on crucial third or fourth downs.
Ramos finished with 57 yards on five catches.
Longhorns junior running back Billy Williams started slow on the night but turned it on in the fourth quarter, when he accounted for a majority of the team's yardage in a 91-yard touchdown drive that ate the clock and clinched the game.
Williams finished the night with 94 rushing yards on 20 carries in addition to 47 receiving yards on three receptions.
Del Rio didn't just roll over, however. The Rams defense stiffened after the Longhorns' second touchdown and held United to only two more scores in the final three quarters of play.
The Rams had a number of long drives but shot themselves in the foot with fumbles on several occasions; the most costly of which came halfway through the second quarter.
The Rams started at their own 25-yard line and pounded the ball out on the ground, advancing all the way to the Longhorns' five-yard line before Del Rio running back Robert Gonzalez had the ball knocked loose by an aggressive United defense that recovered the ball at the 2.
Gonzalez finished the night with 119 yards on 22 carries and two first half fumbles.
Del Rio's Diego Cadena also got his share of carries in, finishing the night with 109 yards on 25 carries with a single touchdown.
For the first three quarters, while the score was close, Del Rio was able to establish a fairly reliable play-action passing game.
Del Right tight end Jeff Peterson had a touchdown on a 31-yard reception and wide receiver Jordan Terrell had another on a 25-yard strike.
Del Rio actually outgained United in total offense, with 339 yards compared to United's 315.
Both teams made mistakes that left points on the board, but Del Rio's proved to be the more costly.
10.02.10: Volleyball: United 3, United South 2
The second round of District 29-5A volleyball seems to be a thorn in the side of the top four teams with two dropping games this week.
Earlier in the week, Cigarroa fell to Nixon to throw a monkey wrench into the playoff scene and Saturday afternoon, United South almost pulled off an upset.
United (9-2 29-5A, 16-12) held off United South's (0-11, 7-18) late surge to hold on to a 26-28, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25 and 15-10 victory at the United South gymnasium.
Junior setter-hitter Natalie Chavez, who earlier in the day captured individual girls' title at the Dr. Marissa Keene Memorial cross country meet, did not skip a beat on the volleyball court as she recorded a team-high 16 kills. She added 21 assists, nine points and 12 digs.
Teammate Ashley Everett backed Chavez with 12 kills and three blocks.
Everett was instrumental in keeping the Lady Longhorns in the games with kills that came at moments when her team needed a boost.
Earlier in the week, Cigarroa fell to Nixon to throw a monkey wrench into the playoff scene and Saturday afternoon, United South almost pulled off an upset.
United (9-2 29-5A, 16-12) held off United South's (0-11, 7-18) late surge to hold on to a 26-28, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25 and 15-10 victory at the United South gymnasium.
Junior setter-hitter Natalie Chavez, who earlier in the day captured individual girls' title at the Dr. Marissa Keene Memorial cross country meet, did not skip a beat on the volleyball court as she recorded a team-high 16 kills. She added 21 assists, nine points and 12 digs.
Teammate Ashley Everett backed Chavez with 12 kills and three blocks.
Everett was instrumental in keeping the Lady Longhorns in the games with kills that came at moments when her team needed a boost.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
09.28.2010: Volleyball: United 3, Martin 0
The Lady Longhorns swept, 27-25, 27-25, 25-19. United improved to 8-2 in District 29-5A, 15-12 overall. Martin fell to 1-9, 11-14. Leading the way for United was Ali Sanchez (seven kills), Natalie Chavez (15 kills, 20 assists, five points, nine digs) and Ashley Everett (nine kills). Leading the way for Martin was Kassandra Blanquez (30 assists, three digs), Michelle Perez (22 digs, three kills) and Ariana Ramirez (eight kills, four digs, three points).
Week 4: Football: United 26, Eagle Pass 22
The Longhorns muddied the district 29-5A title race even more by handing Eagle Pass its first loss this season. United improved to 3-0 in 29-5A. The Longhorns are 3-1 overall. Eagle Pass dropped to 2-1, 3-1 overall, and is in a heated three-way tie with Alexander and Del Rio for second place. Eagle Pass led 10-0 early in the first quarter before United took over. Tony Salas scored on a 1-yard rush and then Kurt Kuriata – for the second game in a row – blocked a punt and recovered in the end zone for another score as United took a 14-10 lead at the half. Eagle Pass jumped back ahead 16-14 and then 22-14 before Billy Williams scored on a 35-yard run in the fourth. That set the stage for Salas' heroic 40-yard bomb to Nathan Barrios that essentially sealed the win with 7:55 left. United's defense collected two clutch interceptions and forced Eagle Pass into a turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter to keep the Eagles at bay.
09.25.2010: Alexander 3, United 2
The first round of District 29-5A volleyball came to a dramatic end Saturday afternoon when two old rivals met at the Alexander gymnasium.
Alexander and United squared off in one of the most anticipated games of the week, with second place on the line.
The Lady Bulldogs (8-1 29-5A, 18-4) utilized their home court advantage to hold off United in a five-game nail-biter that had both crowds on their feet throughout the match.
Alexander walked away with a 25-18, 25-14, 23-25, 25-27 and a 15-7 win to take sole possession of second place heading into the second round of district play starting Tuesday.
United (7-2, 14-12) fell to third place while Cigarroa is in fourth place.
Eagle Pass has a strong hold of first place with an unblemished district record at 9-0.
Alexander and United squared off in one of the most anticipated games of the week, with second place on the line.
The Lady Bulldogs (8-1 29-5A, 18-4) utilized their home court advantage to hold off United in a five-game nail-biter that had both crowds on their feet throughout the match.
Alexander walked away with a 25-18, 25-14, 23-25, 25-27 and a 15-7 win to take sole possession of second place heading into the second round of district play starting Tuesday.
United (7-2, 14-12) fell to third place while Cigarroa is in fourth place.
Eagle Pass has a strong hold of first place with an unblemished district record at 9-0.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
09.21.2010: Volleyball: United 3, LBJ 1
United continued to stay on track in the race for the District 29-5A volleyball title with four-game victory over the visiting Lyndon B. Johnson Lady Wolves on Tuesday.
The Lady Longhorns beat LBJ in four, 23-25, 25-19, 25-14 and 25-19, to stay one game behind district leader Eagle Pass.
United (7-1 29-5A, 14-11) will meet Alexander to end the first round in a much anticipated matchup on Saturday.
United took a while to fire up its engines, coming out slow in the first game despite having an early lead heading into the latter part of the match.
LBJ (1-7, 5-16) capitalized on United's miscues to mount a comeback, but it was not enough.
UNITED STATS: Natalie Chavez (14 kills, three blocks), Ashley Everett (17 kills ), Valeria (nine kills), Karina De Anda (14 digs), Sarah Garcia (eight digs), Jessica Hernandez three blocks).
LBJ STATS: Yesenia Ortiz (three blocks, two kills), Jenny Salinas (three blocks, one kills), Rachel Aguilar (one block, three kills), Mariela Gonzalez (five blocks, two kills, one ace), Lizzette Martinez (one block, nine kills, three aces), Letty Reyes (four blocks, 11 kills, four aces), Stephanie Almanza (two kills, 11 assists), Indy Medellin (four aces), Ethel Garcia (15 assists, one ace).
The Lady Longhorns beat LBJ in four, 23-25, 25-19, 25-14 and 25-19, to stay one game behind district leader Eagle Pass.
United (7-1 29-5A, 14-11) will meet Alexander to end the first round in a much anticipated matchup on Saturday.
United took a while to fire up its engines, coming out slow in the first game despite having an early lead heading into the latter part of the match.
LBJ (1-7, 5-16) capitalized on United's miscues to mount a comeback, but it was not enough.
UNITED STATS: Natalie Chavez (14 kills, three blocks), Ashley Everett (17 kills ), Valeria (nine kills), Karina De Anda (14 digs), Sarah Garcia (eight digs), Jessica Hernandez three blocks).
LBJ STATS: Yesenia Ortiz (three blocks, two kills), Jenny Salinas (three blocks, one kills), Rachel Aguilar (one block, three kills), Mariela Gonzalez (five blocks, two kills, one ace), Lizzette Martinez (one block, nine kills, three aces), Letty Reyes (four blocks, 11 kills, four aces), Stephanie Almanza (two kills, 11 assists), Indy Medellin (four aces), Ethel Garcia (15 assists, one ace).
Monday, September 20, 2010
Week 3:Football: United 61, United South 3
United South hosted United on a waterlogged Friday night at the SAC. But the Panthers were no match for the Longhorns.
United improved to 2-0 in District 29-5A play, 2-1 overall, with a demonstrative 61-3 win.
South fell to 0-3, 0-2 in district.
The Longhorns started senior Joey Zepeda, their backup quarterback, due to Tony Salas sitting out due to a sprained shoulder.
Zepeda was in the zone all night – literally, in the end zone, with two passing and one rushing touchdowns in the first half alone.
Every facet of the 'Horns' game increased the score, though, with Billy Williams' kickoff return and Kurt Kuriata's blocked punt and the following recovery for the touchdown.
The Longhorns' defense also reached paydirt on a last second interception-and-touchdown in the waning ticks of the first half. The extra point attempt was missed in the 'Horns' last two scores of the half, raising the score to 47-3 at the half.
Panthers quarterback Robert Camarillo completed a plethora of difficult passes for huge gains in the first half, but his efforts were for naught due to penalties.
The referees' yellow flags stymied the Panthers from their first defensive play – a spectacular stuffed run for no gain – when a 15-yard facemasking call granted United favorable field position.
Camarillo made smart plays all night long, for the most part. He consistently threw the ball away when pressured, and put the perfect amount of touch on passes when needed, but his performance throughout the evening was blemished by the two interceptions he tossed within the two-minute warning before halftime. One of those picks was returned for a touchdown.
Going into the half, the only points that the Panthers could post would be their first drive's field goal.
United improved to 2-0 in District 29-5A play, 2-1 overall, with a demonstrative 61-3 win.
South fell to 0-3, 0-2 in district.
The Longhorns started senior Joey Zepeda, their backup quarterback, due to Tony Salas sitting out due to a sprained shoulder.
Zepeda was in the zone all night – literally, in the end zone, with two passing and one rushing touchdowns in the first half alone.
Every facet of the 'Horns' game increased the score, though, with Billy Williams' kickoff return and Kurt Kuriata's blocked punt and the following recovery for the touchdown.
The Longhorns' defense also reached paydirt on a last second interception-and-touchdown in the waning ticks of the first half. The extra point attempt was missed in the 'Horns' last two scores of the half, raising the score to 47-3 at the half.
Panthers quarterback Robert Camarillo completed a plethora of difficult passes for huge gains in the first half, but his efforts were for naught due to penalties.
The referees' yellow flags stymied the Panthers from their first defensive play – a spectacular stuffed run for no gain – when a 15-yard facemasking call granted United favorable field position.
Camarillo made smart plays all night long, for the most part. He consistently threw the ball away when pressured, and put the perfect amount of touch on passes when needed, but his performance throughout the evening was blemished by the two interceptions he tossed within the two-minute warning before halftime. One of those picks was returned for a touchdown.
Going into the half, the only points that the Panthers could post would be their first drive's field goal.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
09.18.2010: Volleyball: United 3, C.C. Winn 0
United 3, C.C. Winn 0: The Lady Longhorns swept, 25-17, 25-19, 25-18. United improved to 6-1 in District 29-5A, 13-11 overall. Winn fell to 2-5 in district. Leading the way for United was Jessica Hernandez (six kills), Natalie Chavez (11 assists, eight digs, six points), Karina de Anda (19 digs) and Kristen Ovalle (15 assists, six points).
Saturday, September 18, 2010
09.14.2010: Volleyball: United 3, Cigarroa 1
The Lady Longhorns won, 25-19, 25-18, 21-25, 25-21. United improved to 5-1 in District 29-5A, 12-11 overall. Cigarroa fell to 4-2, 18-9. Leading the way for United was Sammie Garcia (six points, nine digs), Valerie Gutierrez (seven kills) and Ali Sanchez (13 kills). Leading the way for Cigarroa was Raquel Martinez (15 assists) and Sandra Ambriz (five kills, five digs).
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week 2 Football: United 61, Martin 13
All week long, the question on the lips of high school football fans across Laredo was whether or not United senior quarterback Tony Salas, injured in the season opener against Smithson Valley last week, would be healthy enough to start against Martin on Thursday.
The answer proved to be no, Salas didn't start. Surprisingly, it didn't matter.
District play kicked off for 29-5A with a dominant performance by the United Longhorns over the Martin Tigers, 61-13, at the SAC.
Martin scored first on a 40-yard touchdown run by Rudy Castillo, but United scored the next 61, including 16 points within the following two minutes of play, and the route was on.
The game was highlighted by a number of short, single play possessions.
The two teams combined for seven single play drives.
United’s four drives all resulted in touchdowns and accounted for 210 yards of quick strike offense. Martin’s three single play drives resulted in two interceptions and a safety.
It was possessions like those which had United coach David Sanchez beaming and excited about the direction of his program at the end of the night.
No two Longhorns had bigger nights than junior running back Billy Williams III and wide receiver Nick Fuentes.
Sanchez had heaped high expectations on Williams in the weeks leading up to the season and Williams proved he was worthy of the hype.
In what was only his second varsity start, Williams tore up the Martin defense for nearly 200 yards.
In the first half alone, Williams rushed for 187 yards, highlighted by a 96-yard jaunt down the middle of the field for a score. He sat the second half out to allow backups game-time experience
Fuentes had five catches for 136 yards in the first two quarters before joining Williams on the sideline after halftime. Four of Fuentes' five catches went for touchdowns, and several of the catches were displays of exceptional athleticism.
The answer proved to be no, Salas didn't start. Surprisingly, it didn't matter.
District play kicked off for 29-5A with a dominant performance by the United Longhorns over the Martin Tigers, 61-13, at the SAC.
Martin scored first on a 40-yard touchdown run by Rudy Castillo, but United scored the next 61, including 16 points within the following two minutes of play, and the route was on.
The game was highlighted by a number of short, single play possessions.
The two teams combined for seven single play drives.
United’s four drives all resulted in touchdowns and accounted for 210 yards of quick strike offense. Martin’s three single play drives resulted in two interceptions and a safety.
It was possessions like those which had United coach David Sanchez beaming and excited about the direction of his program at the end of the night.
No two Longhorns had bigger nights than junior running back Billy Williams III and wide receiver Nick Fuentes.
Sanchez had heaped high expectations on Williams in the weeks leading up to the season and Williams proved he was worthy of the hype.
In what was only his second varsity start, Williams tore up the Martin defense for nearly 200 yards.
In the first half alone, Williams rushed for 187 yards, highlighted by a 96-yard jaunt down the middle of the field for a score. He sat the second half out to allow backups game-time experience
Fuentes had five catches for 136 yards in the first two quarters before joining Williams on the sideline after halftime. Four of Fuentes' five catches went for touchdowns, and several of the catches were displays of exceptional athleticism.
09.11.10: United 3, Nixon 2
The Lady Longhorns won 18-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21 and 15-7. United improved to 4-1 in District 29-5A, 11-11. Nixon fell to 2-3, 12-13. leading the way for Nixon was Rosalynn Velasquez (14 kills, seven digs), Kassy Ladesma (15 assists, eight digs) and Sammie Garcia (17 kills). Leading the way for United was Natalie Chavez (14 kills, 13 assists, seven digs), Karina de Anda (16 digs, nine points), Ashley Everett (11 kills, six blocks), Kristen Ovalle (21 assists, nine points, seven digs).
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sept. 7: Volleyball: United 3, Del Rio 0
United dethroned the Del Rio Queens with a convincing victory Tuesday night to stay one game behind the District 29-5A leaders.
Behind the arms of seniors Natalie Chavez and Ashley Everett, United controlled the net on both ends and cruised to a 25-8, 25-13 and 25-21 victory at the United gymnasium.
United (3-1 29-5A, 10-11) rebounded from its heartbreaking loss at the hands of Eagle Pass Saturday afternoon.
Chavez and Everett were monsters at the net, recording 10 blocks on defense while exploding for 16 kills on offense to keep the Del Rio defense busy all night long.
Del Rio (2-2, 7-5) could not find an answer to the United defense.
UNITED STATS: Valeria Gutierrez (seven kills, one dig), Ali Sanchez (two kills), Natalie Chavez (eight kills, 15 assist, two block), Ashley Everett (eight kills, three blocks), Kristen Ovalle (12 assists, four digs).
Behind the arms of seniors Natalie Chavez and Ashley Everett, United controlled the net on both ends and cruised to a 25-8, 25-13 and 25-21 victory at the United gymnasium.
United (3-1 29-5A, 10-11) rebounded from its heartbreaking loss at the hands of Eagle Pass Saturday afternoon.
Chavez and Everett were monsters at the net, recording 10 blocks on defense while exploding for 16 kills on offense to keep the Del Rio defense busy all night long.
Del Rio (2-2, 7-5) could not find an answer to the United defense.
UNITED STATS: Valeria Gutierrez (seven kills, one dig), Ali Sanchez (two kills), Natalie Chavez (eight kills, 15 assist, two block), Ashley Everett (eight kills, three blocks), Kristen Ovalle (12 assists, four digs).
Sunday, September 5, 2010
09.04.10: Eagle Pass 3, United 2
The Lady Eagles (16-5, 3-0 29-5A) snuck by the Lady Longhorns (9-11, 2-1), 23-25, 25-14, 25-14, 22-25, 15-10. Leading the way for United was Karina de Anda (30 digs, five points), Natalie Chavez (nine kills, 13 assists, five digs) and Ashley Everett (13 kills, five blocks).
Week 1: Smithson Valley 31, United 3
The United Longhorns had hoped the return of quarterback Tony Salas would be marked with a victory over the No. 7 ranked Smithson Valley Rangers.
Instead, Salas left the lineup with an injury at halftime and didn't finish the game, which the Rangers dominated 31-3 on Friday night at the SAC by scoring 31 unanswered points.
"He hurt his shoulder," said United head football coach David Sanchez. "We hope everything's going to be okay. We're trying to be smart and take care of him."
Before an injury forced him out of the game, Salas, a senior, was able to lead the Longhorns (0-1) to an early 3-0 lead which held for much of the first half.
It was the first points scored on Smithson Valley this season after the Rangers, ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 4A by the Associated Press, held Permian scoreless in Week 0.
In Sanchez's opinion, the three points should have been joined by more.
"We just left too many points out on the field," he said. "Got to the red zone too many times and didn't come away with anything. Doesn't help morale, doesn't help the enthusiasm of the team.
"Those are things we've got to work on and hopefully get better at."
Salas finished the game with 56 yards in the air on 9-of-17 passing and added 63 rushing yards on eight carries.
Zepeda threw for 80 yards on 11-of-21 passing. Junior Billy Williams led the running backs with 49 yards on eight carries.
Sergio Ramos and Nick Fuentes contributed 35 receiving yards each; Ramos contributed three catches and Fuentes did it with seven.
Smithson Valley finished the game with 411 total yards, 274 on the ground and 137 through the air.
United completed the game with 240 yards, 104 on the ground and 136 through the air.
Instead, Salas left the lineup with an injury at halftime and didn't finish the game, which the Rangers dominated 31-3 on Friday night at the SAC by scoring 31 unanswered points.
"He hurt his shoulder," said United head football coach David Sanchez. "We hope everything's going to be okay. We're trying to be smart and take care of him."
Before an injury forced him out of the game, Salas, a senior, was able to lead the Longhorns (0-1) to an early 3-0 lead which held for much of the first half.
It was the first points scored on Smithson Valley this season after the Rangers, ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 4A by the Associated Press, held Permian scoreless in Week 0.
In Sanchez's opinion, the three points should have been joined by more.
"We just left too many points out on the field," he said. "Got to the red zone too many times and didn't come away with anything. Doesn't help morale, doesn't help the enthusiasm of the team.
"Those are things we've got to work on and hopefully get better at."
Salas finished the game with 56 yards in the air on 9-of-17 passing and added 63 rushing yards on eight carries.
Zepeda threw for 80 yards on 11-of-21 passing. Junior Billy Williams led the running backs with 49 yards on eight carries.
Sergio Ramos and Nick Fuentes contributed 35 receiving yards each; Ramos contributed three catches and Fuentes did it with seven.
Smithson Valley finished the game with 411 total yards, 274 on the ground and 137 through the air.
United completed the game with 240 yards, 104 on the ground and 136 through the air.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Best / Worst Case United
In 2009 injuries which kept United's starting quarterback Tony Salas and #2 receiver Sergio Ramos out of the lineup for the end of the season were enough to keep the Longhorns out of the playoffs. This year, Ramos and Salas are back and joined by the young electrifying tailback Billie Williams to form one of the most potent offensive attacks in Laredo. The Longhorns traditionally have one of the more reliable defenses in town and the combination of great offense and strong defense make the sky the limit for the Longhorns this year.
BEST CASE SCENARIO
The hardest contest of the season comes up front and center for the United Longhorns when Smithson Valley comes to town. The Smithson Valley Rangers are one of the top ten 4A teams in the state, and United head football coach David Sanchez said they would easily still be in the top 25 if they were classified as a 5A school. The Rangers are making the more than three-hour drive to Laredo for the game, and boast a defense which shut out Permian in week zero. Despite the low scoring nature of the Rangers win over Permian (6-0), Sanchez said he hopes for a shootout at the SAC to deliver the win. United has the weapons on offense to make it happen and if they can execute flawlessly a win IS possible and would happen to mark the start of a dream season with a 1-0 record.
The rest of United's schedule plays out well, without any prolonged stretches of tough opponents. Week two will feature a game against the Martin Tigers, and in a dream season scenario, United would win this one in a blowout to advance to 2-0.
Week three witnesses United squaring off against their South side cousins at United South. The Panthers will put up some points on United, but not enough to challenge the Longhorns. 3-0.
Week four sends United on the road for a game against Eagle Pass. This road trip is probably the single hardest district game for the Longhorns, but after being tested by Smithson Valley in week one, Eagle Pass should make for a challenging, but winnable, contest. Longhorns win a tough one for a 4-0 record.
The Longhorns return home in week five to face one of 29-5A's top teams from a season ago. Del Rio will be looking to put the hurt on the Horns, but a dream season would feature a big win in the SAC for United in week five to put United at 5-0.
After Del Rio the Longhorns face a very winnable month of October but would be entering it with a big target on their back. Nixon, Cigarroa, Eagle Pass Winn (on the road), and LBJ will all give United their best showing at a chance for glory. One of two of these opponents may rise to the occasion and keep the game close, but the dream would stay alive if United swept them all to put the Longhorn's record at 9-0.
Sitting at 9-0 going into rivalry week against the Alexander Bulldogs will make for one heck of a season finale. No dream season is complete, however, without a win over the bulldogs.
United's dream season would be one where the defense improved upon its 2009 numbers (when it gave up only 20 points a game) and delivered the kinds of performances which would cement it as the elite of 29-5A. If the offensive monster lives up to its potential, United could be one of the most complete football teams Laredo has seen in years. A perfect 10-0 season is a possibility, and the real question then would be how far the Horns could make it into the playoffs.
WORST CASE SCENARIO
The worst case scenario would be a repeat of 2009. Injuries to key players derailing an otherwise promising season, losses to the bigger teams fromout-of-town, it's not an ugly picture but one's memory doesn’t need to go far back to remember what a distinct possibility it is.
The nightmare season would begin with a blowout loss to Smithson Valley at the start of the year and a 0-1 record.
Even if crushed by the Rangers, United should still be able to earn a win over the Martin Tigers in week two. Week three's match up with United South, however, is one of several games which could potentially take a turn for the worst and end as a loss in a worst case scenario.
Weeks four and five against Eagle Pass and Del Rio would both be losses in a nightmare season to put the Horns at either 1-3 or 0-4.
Of the next four game stretch both Nixon and LBJ are teams who, like United South, might nip the Horns in a worst case scenario. Eagle Pass Winn comes on the road, and could join those teams as well. Cigarroa is a big bodied strong team, but it probably lacks the scoring power to keep up with United in even a worst case scenario.
The nightmare would be complete with a season ending loss to rival Alexander for the second year in a row.
This worst case scenario would witness the Longhorns going 5-5. Losses to Smithson Valley, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and LBJ. The horns would also have gone 3-1 against United South, Nixon, Eagle Pass Winn, and LBJ but will have won against Martin and Cigarroa.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Coach Sanchez is a traditional winner at almost every stop he makes. I think that last years 5-5 mark, missing the playoffs by a single game, is a fluke that won't be repeated. I think the Horns will lose to Smithson Valley, but will gain valuable knowledge from the experience which will help them go 2-1 against the three biggest threats, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and United. I'm predicting the Longhorns go 8-2 on the season and finish no worse than second in district before launching into the playoffs.
BEST CASE SCENARIO
The hardest contest of the season comes up front and center for the United Longhorns when Smithson Valley comes to town. The Smithson Valley Rangers are one of the top ten 4A teams in the state, and United head football coach David Sanchez said they would easily still be in the top 25 if they were classified as a 5A school. The Rangers are making the more than three-hour drive to Laredo for the game, and boast a defense which shut out Permian in week zero. Despite the low scoring nature of the Rangers win over Permian (6-0), Sanchez said he hopes for a shootout at the SAC to deliver the win. United has the weapons on offense to make it happen and if they can execute flawlessly a win IS possible and would happen to mark the start of a dream season with a 1-0 record.
The rest of United's schedule plays out well, without any prolonged stretches of tough opponents. Week two will feature a game against the Martin Tigers, and in a dream season scenario, United would win this one in a blowout to advance to 2-0.
Week three witnesses United squaring off against their South side cousins at United South. The Panthers will put up some points on United, but not enough to challenge the Longhorns. 3-0.
Week four sends United on the road for a game against Eagle Pass. This road trip is probably the single hardest district game for the Longhorns, but after being tested by Smithson Valley in week one, Eagle Pass should make for a challenging, but winnable, contest. Longhorns win a tough one for a 4-0 record.
The Longhorns return home in week five to face one of 29-5A's top teams from a season ago. Del Rio will be looking to put the hurt on the Horns, but a dream season would feature a big win in the SAC for United in week five to put United at 5-0.
After Del Rio the Longhorns face a very winnable month of October but would be entering it with a big target on their back. Nixon, Cigarroa, Eagle Pass Winn (on the road), and LBJ will all give United their best showing at a chance for glory. One of two of these opponents may rise to the occasion and keep the game close, but the dream would stay alive if United swept them all to put the Longhorn's record at 9-0.
Sitting at 9-0 going into rivalry week against the Alexander Bulldogs will make for one heck of a season finale. No dream season is complete, however, without a win over the bulldogs.
United's dream season would be one where the defense improved upon its 2009 numbers (when it gave up only 20 points a game) and delivered the kinds of performances which would cement it as the elite of 29-5A. If the offensive monster lives up to its potential, United could be one of the most complete football teams Laredo has seen in years. A perfect 10-0 season is a possibility, and the real question then would be how far the Horns could make it into the playoffs.
WORST CASE SCENARIO
The worst case scenario would be a repeat of 2009. Injuries to key players derailing an otherwise promising season, losses to the bigger teams fromout-of-town, it's not an ugly picture but one's memory doesn’t need to go far back to remember what a distinct possibility it is.
The nightmare season would begin with a blowout loss to Smithson Valley at the start of the year and a 0-1 record.
Even if crushed by the Rangers, United should still be able to earn a win over the Martin Tigers in week two. Week three's match up with United South, however, is one of several games which could potentially take a turn for the worst and end as a loss in a worst case scenario.
Weeks four and five against Eagle Pass and Del Rio would both be losses in a nightmare season to put the Horns at either 1-3 or 0-4.
Of the next four game stretch both Nixon and LBJ are teams who, like United South, might nip the Horns in a worst case scenario. Eagle Pass Winn comes on the road, and could join those teams as well. Cigarroa is a big bodied strong team, but it probably lacks the scoring power to keep up with United in even a worst case scenario.
The nightmare would be complete with a season ending loss to rival Alexander for the second year in a row.
This worst case scenario would witness the Longhorns going 5-5. Losses to Smithson Valley, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and LBJ. The horns would also have gone 3-1 against United South, Nixon, Eagle Pass Winn, and LBJ but will have won against Martin and Cigarroa.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Coach Sanchez is a traditional winner at almost every stop he makes. I think that last years 5-5 mark, missing the playoffs by a single game, is a fluke that won't be repeated. I think the Horns will lose to Smithson Valley, but will gain valuable knowledge from the experience which will help them go 2-1 against the three biggest threats, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and United. I'm predicting the Longhorns go 8-2 on the season and finish no worse than second in district before launching into the playoffs.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
08.31.10: United sweeps United South in 29-5A volleyball
The Lady Longhorns (9-10, 2-0 29-5A) swept the Lady Panthers (8-10, 0-2), 25-17, 25-23, 25-14. Leading the way for United was Valerie Gutierrez (six kills), Ali Sanchez (nine kills), Natalie Chavez (five kills, 15 assists, six points, five digs), Jessica Hernandez (four blocks) and Ashley Everett (nine kills). Leading the way for United South was Linda Resendez (17 assists, 10 digs), Ashley Gutierrez (eight digs), Amanda Salinas (10 digs), Marilynn Palacios (seven kills) and Leslie Campos (eight kills, 11 digs).
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
United Independent School District 2010 Football Season Ticket Prices
Season Ticket holders will be able to purchase season tickets through Friday. On Monday, Aug. 16, season tickets will go on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Activity Complex on Highway 359, 5208 Sta. Claudia Lane, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices are as follows: Alexander $42; United $36. LBJ and United South games will be sold on a game to game basis. If you have any questions please call the Athletic Office at 473-7100.
United High golf
All returning and interested United Longhorn golf players in grades 9th -12th need to pick up paperwork. Paperwork is available at the New UHS Campus, and may be picked up in room (h107) training room between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information please contact coach Julian Palacios at 956-286-5611.
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